Four years ago, Jake Voracek walked across a stage in Nationwide Arena, accepting a Blue Jackets jersey and hearty congratulations from Scott Howson on being the No. 7th overall draft pick.

On the eve of 2011 NHL Draft, the general manager who picked Voracek has sent him packing. The shaggy-haired right wing was traded along with this year's first- and third-round picks to Philadelphia for All-Star center Jeff Carter.

"I'm going to miss Columbus," Voracek said. "I love it there. It was a lot of fun. I had three great years there with the boys. It's a great group of guys. I had a lot of fun."

Voracek registered 39 goals and 95 assists in 241 games. He heads to a Flyers' organization in stunning transition after dealing their top two centers, Carter and Mike Richards, yesterday in separate blockbusters.

"It's a new life starting right now for me," said Voracek, 21. "I'm pretty sure it's going to better for me."

The Czech-forward had a trying end to a season that saw him produce just one point in his last 16 games. Both his conditioning and hockey acumen had come under question and his repeated turnovers were maddening for a player of his skill set.

But Voracek's upside remains substantial. He could blossom into a star with his size, reach and offensive abilities. He arrived in Montreal earlier this week to begin off-season workouts with his friend and now former teammate Derick Brassard.